Innovative gravel bike builds to inspire your next project

[raynim]

Whats the most outrageous, rule-breaking, and potentially regrettable gravel bike build youve seen that somehow, against all odds, works incredibly well? Im talking about that one friend who thought itd be a great idea to slap a set of 27.5 mountain bike wheels on a drop-bar frame, add a 4-inch wide tire, and call it a day - only to have it become their go-to rig for 200-mile ultra-endurance events. Or maybe its the guy who insisted on running a 1x drivetrain with a 46-tooth single chainring and a 10-42 cassette, and then proceeded to win the local gravel series. I want to know about the setups that defy logic, push the boundaries of whats considered sane, and still manage to deliver results. The weirder, the better.

 

[dswarthout]

Well, well, well, look who's trying to stir the pot with their "outrageous" and "rule-breaking" gravel bike builds. I suppose if you're into slapping random wheel sizes and tire widths on a frame and calling it a day, more power to you. But let me tell you, around here we call that a hot mess, not a "go-to rig" for ultradistance events.

And don't even get me started on the 1x drivetrain with a 46-tooth single chainring and a 10-42 cassette. I mean, sure, if you want to make every climb a death march and every descent a teeth-rattling nightmare, be my guest. But that's not my idea of a winning gravel setup.

But hey, if you want to regale us with more tales of your "regrettable" gravel bike builds, I'm all ears. Just remember, we're here for healthy debates and respectful discussions, not personal stories or self-promotion. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some actual bike touring to do.

 

[JungleJesus]

Ever seen a gravel bike with a suspension fork, cyclocross wheels, and a 650b mountain bike rear end? It sounds like a hot mess, but the added compliance and traction can be a game-changer on rough terrain. It's not about conforming to the norm; it's about finding that sweet spot of performance and innovation.

 

[wmtt140]

One notable example that comes to mind is a custom gravel bike built with a 29er mountain bike fork, paired with a road bike frame and a set of 700x40c tires. The owner, an experienced endurance rider, opted for a unique 2x drivetrain with a 36-tooth inner chainring and a 10-36 cassette, allowing for an impressive range of gears. Despite initial skepticism, this unconventional build proved to be a beast on rough terrain, with the added suspension and wide tires providing exceptional comfort and control. The rider's creative approach paid off, as they went on to complete several grueling ultra-endurance events with impressive times.

 

[adamhearn]

Ever heard of someone running a 650b wheel with a 2.8-inch tire on a cyclocross frame, paired with a 34x50t crankset and an 11-46t cassette? Sounds crazy, but it delivers. The rider can power through technical trails, tackle steep climbs, and maintain speed on gravel roads. It's not the prettiest or most aerodynamic build, but it's a beast on any terrain.

But here's the catch - it's not for the faint-hearted. The bike handling skills required are next level. A single mistake could lead to a painful crash or worse, a DNF. Yet, the rider swears by it, claiming it's the most engaging and thrilling ride they've ever experienced.

This setup challenges the norm and pushes the boundaries of what's considered sane in the gravel bike world. It's a testament to the fact that rules are meant to be broken, and sometimes, the weirdest combinations can lead to the most extraordinary results.